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SUMMARY:The changing genome: signatures of mutagenesis in human cells - Dr
  Serena Nik-Zainal\, Wellcome Trust Sangar Institute
DTSTART:20141110T180000Z
DTEND:20141110T190000Z
UID:TALK53963@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Beverley Larner
DESCRIPTION:The genetic material (DNA) in our cells is prone to change or 
 mutation. From the moment of conception\, the fertilized egg containing ju
 st a single copy of the human genome will have to be copied many thousands
  of times to make the trillions of cells in a human baby\, potentially acq
 uiring mutations each time it copies. In addition\, the baby that is born 
 and grows to adulthood will\, through its life\, be exposed to several int
 ernal DNA damaging agents\, such as reactive by-products of cellular metab
 olism\, as well as a variety of environmental DNA mutagens\, such as ultra
 violet radiation or chemical compounds. Our cells however\, are equipped w
 ith DNA repair pathways to repair some of the damage. \n\nHuman cancers ar
 e known to be highly mutated entities with marked genetic differences when
  compared with the original genome at conception. The genome of a cancer w
 ill carry all the mutations that have been acquired by the cell that becam
 e the malignant clone\, and is thus a historical record of the mutagenic a
 nd repair processes that have occurred through the life of the patient wit
 h cancer.\n\nIn this lecture\, I will explain how we have used technologic
 al advances in reading the human genome\, or sequencing\, to explore all p
 arts of the human genome. Capitalising on this surge in speed and scale of
  sequencing\, we set out to show the mutagenic imprints\, the signatures\,
  caused by those internal and environmental mutagenic processes that have 
 occurred throughout tumour development in cancer patients. In essence\, we
  exploit the digital nature of modern sequencing technology and use mathem
 atical methods to perform an archaeological excavation of cancer genomes\,
  demonstrating the biological insights that have hitherto remain buried in
  the enormous and bewildering datasets of cancer genomes. \n\nGiven these 
 advancing technologies and biological insights\, what can we look forward 
 to in the near future?\n
LOCATION:Bristol-Myers-Squibb Lecture theatre\, Department of Chemistry
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